Long Island Garden Wedding

Johanna and Jason wanted their wedding day to be first and foremost a wild party for friends and family, with touches of pink and green throughout the day. I’d say it’s a safe bet they achieved this! With a tented dance floor adorned in endless paper lanterns and some absolutely perfect floral arrangements captured by Matt Miller of Our Labor of Love, this wedding has us pining for a garden soirée!

From the bride, Johanna: When J and I started planning our wedding, we knew that the most important thing to us was that it felt like a party – we wanted it to be beautiful, with lots of personal touches, but really wanted it to feel like a wild time.

We both took on sooo many projects to make the atmosphere happen, and I know the common advice is to only take on one major task, but figured “whatever, you only do this once…”, which became like a mantra. The three days prior were a whirlwind of crazy – hanging all those lanterns, and making all the flower arrangements & bouquets, almost made my family (and a couple of VERY loyal bridesmaids) lose their minds, but we just kept repeating “this is only happening once, and then we are done”. In the end it was so worth it – the day was perfect in every way. (And since there is now such an abundance of vintage china & props in my Mom’s life, she has even started a rental company!)

Our advice to couples is that when you get to the day of the wedding, just let everything else go, and focus on your, and your guests, having an incredible time. It’s your party – you won! – you married your best friend, and all the people you love are there to celebrate the two of you. No one else knows (or cares) if you forgot some element of decor, or something isn’t “perfect” – it’s your day, just enjoy it.

See Also

A Bold Berry-Colored Vallejo Wedding

Jason loved playing a couple of songs with the band, including one he wrote for me, called “Stay Sweet.” My favorite moment: The impromptu, and somewhat dangerous fireworks display. Everyone was holding roman candles and sparklers in the air, and it was just so unbelievable to look around, at everyone’s faces illuminated, and looking so happy. I also loved when my brother walked me down the aisle – seeing J at the end, smiling at us, with my brother on my arm – it was such a fun, but also meaningful moment.

Wedding Music:
Processional: “Wildwood Flower”
Recessional: “Ode to Joy”
First Dance: “You’re My Best Friend,” Queen

Wedding Location: Long Island, NY / Wedding Photographer: Matt Miller of Our Labor of Love / Wedding Venue: Private Residence / Day-Of Coordination: Veronica Madden / Ceremony Dress: Melissa Sweet / Reception Dress: Vineyard by Priscilla of Boston / Wedding Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Groom’s Attire: J. Crew / Groom’s Shoes: Allen Edmonds / Flower Arrangements: Bride’s mother / Flower Bouquets: Bride and Bridesmaid / Wedding Caterer: Maple Tree BBQ / Wedding Desserts: Made by couple’s friends and family / China and Prop Rental: Vintage China Rental NY / Linens: Antique / Reception Music: The Rattlesnake All-Stars / Wedding Invitations and Signage: Clawhammer Studios